The Comprehensive Guide to the Real "Little Italy" of NYC

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Let's be honest, Arthur Avenue is one of the best-kept secrets of New York City.

Tucked away within a few charming blocks of the Bronx, Arthur Avenue is home to an array of Italian restaurants, bakeries, delis, and shops that are sure to seduce your palette and never stray far from the back of your mind.

We’ve created a comprehensive guide for all you Italian-lovers and foodies out there in NYC.

Whether you’re looking for a quick slice, a sweet something to snack on, or a decadent dish topped with all the cheese and red sauce your heart desires, Arthur Avenue’s countless venues are guaranteed to deliver.

Addeo & Sons Bakery - Madonia Brothers - Terranova Bakery

[via www.fadingad.com]

If you’re looking for freshly baked bread, cookies, and pastries at a nice price, look no further than these 3 bakeries, all located within walking distance of each other.

Stop in for a crunchy biscotti, or grab a warm loaf of bread to go as you make your way around the neighborhood.

Try their olive loaves or the lard loaves with pork for some satisfying twists on the classic Italian breads.

Casa della Mozzarella (604 East 187th Street)

[via www.nycgo.com]

When the name is literally “house of mozzarella,” you know it has to be good! This is the go-to spot for mozzarella in New York City.

Skip the supermarket Polly-O and pick up a pound of fresh, handmade mozzarella.

If you’re more in the mood for a quick lunch, try one of their sandwiches, featuring their mozzarella plus your favorite combinations of Italian meats and specialties.

The Arthur Avenue Retail Market (2344 Arthur Avenue)

[via www.nycgo.com]

Perfect for one-stop shopping and eating, this covered market has been a fixture in the Bronx since the early twentieth century, and it continues to serve up nothing but the best.

The Arthur Avenue Retail Market boasts fresh produce and meats, a cafe with indoor seating, a pastry shop, a fine and extensive selection of cigars, and an array of local craft beers.

Greco’s Deli is a must for a meaty sandwich, and the Bronx Beer Hall is an awesome bar featuring great beer and a selection of bar food from the market’s other eateries.

And last but definitely not least, the pizza sold in the back corner of the market is perhaps the best-kept secret of the entire neighborhood (trust us on that one).

Randazzo’s Seafood (2327 Arthur Avenue)

[via millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com]

For succelent seafood with the taste of the Mediterranean, Randazzo’s Seafood is a must.

They carry a large variety of seafood, from shellfish to lobster tails to freshly caught fish that will help bring Sicily to your dinner table.

Also, an honorable mention goes to Cosenza's Fish Market, as they are located just across the Avenue and carry an amazing selection of seafood as well.

Biancardi's Meat Market (2350 Arthur Avenue)

[via www.ferragosto.com]

Biancardi’s is an old-school, southern Italian butcher shop that offers classic and special cuts of meat.

A delight for any carnivore, try their homemade sausages and pancettas for a salty and spicy treat.

Artuso Pastry Shop - Egidio - Palombo Pastry Shop

[via www.lthforum.com]

Holy. Cannoli. These three pastry shops all have gorgeous, colorful displays of cookies and pastries that will be just as pleasing to the eye as they are to the stomach.

The true treat at these establishments is the cannoli, and we recommend ordering the cannoli in the chocolate dipped shell. Stop in and enjoy one with a cappuccino or bring a box home to share (or just for yourself).

Antonio’s Trattoria (2370 Belmont Avenue)

brings the best of Italian flavors to the Bronx.

They serve classic and comforting Italian plates such as gnocchi caprese and eggplant rolatini that are a must, but don't forget to ask for their specials, which are always a surprising delight.

And don't forget Joe the Bartender, as he tends to be the most memorable part of the overall experience here.

[via www.ferragosto.com]

Although technically not located on Arthur Avenue, Antonio’s Trattoria